Boro’s Williams tries his hand at boxing

Martin Dowey

Scarborough Athletic winger Ryan Williams is trying his hand at a new sport.

On June 27, Williams will be donning his boxing gloves and entering the ring for his debut fight at O’Reilly’s in Hull, which is run by ex-Boro centre-half Jamie Waltham.

The former Hull City and Chesterfield man, who is big mates with footballer turned boxer Curtis Woodhouse, will be following in the footsteps of fellow Boro players Paul Foot and Chris Bolder, who have also dabbled in the sport of boxing.

Williams will be doing a stint of three two-minute rounds on a six-bout card.

“I’ve always loved boxing, it is always something I’ve wanted to have a go at.

“Football took preference when I was a professional, but now I’m at semi-pro level and it is off-season, I just thought why not?

“I’ve been training at the East Hull Gym and the Seconds Out Gym as well as running six miles every night.

“I’ve got a few friends who are journeymen and I’m good mates with Curtis Woodhouse, but I don’t want to say too much about him in case he wants to spar with me.

“I’m not sure if this will be a one-off or not, I’m very open-minded about it.

“The whole thing is a massive ask because of the training schedule, but I am enjoying it.

“It can only help my football as well because I’m in the best shape of my life.

“I thought I was fit when I was a pro footballer, but this is ridiculous.

“I have been sparring in the ring for the three two-minute rounds and after that I’m gone. Somebody is trying to hit you as well as that though.

“I can’t want for the night though, the atmosphere in there is electric, we’ll just have to see how I go.”